I've been waiting for this lens for a long time now. If I had an all time wishlist, this would have been the #1 item on the list. Yes, it would be above the Aston Martin One 77!
I've been looking for a replacement for my current AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D, which is nice but painfully slow to auto-focus and inaccurate in really crazy situations that my D700 camera body excels in. I'm finding myself in awesome low light situations, but hindered by the 1.4D's inability to focus that quickly and accurately in the same conditions. With AF-S lenses, like a 50 1.4G, it's magnitudes faster. I love the D700 + 85mm matchup, this just makes it an even better tool.
The key differences between the two lenses at first glance are:
AF-S vs. AF
Way faster auto focus is key here. I'm totally excited about this. Low light shooting will be revolutionized!
Weight, 1.4G is 23.3 oz, the 1.4D is 19.4oz
Gosh, the 1.4D was already heavy enough, but with better technology in lenses, usually means heavier. I'll have to hit the gym even more.
Size, 1.4G is smaller in length by two whole inches
Even though the lens is heavier, it's smaller by more than 2 whole inches! Going from 5.7" down to 3.3". That's great. Much easier to pack and much more subtle.
1.4G has a longer minimum focal length, 3ft vs. 2.8ft
Which is fine, not that big of a difference here
Cute lens nano crystal and silent wave things
Whatever these are, who cares. If the picture quality was at least as good as before, then this won't make them any cooler!
I'm already deciding which kidney to sell in order to fund this purchase. I'm already really poor due to starting Fanvibe.com, so hopefully kidneys still go for at least the going rate of these lenses of $1700, slotted to be available this September 2010. I bet the backordering will be painful. I'm guessing I won't get a copy of this lens until January.
We'll just have to see if this lens can hold up to my hope for glory and enlightenment.
